NATURAL WONDERS OF GREENLAND AND ICELAND CRUISE, NordicSaga

EXPLORE THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE ABOARD OCEAN DIAMOND http://nordicsaga.com/iceland-and-natural-wonders-of-greenland Discover the immense variety of the world's biggest island on this grand tour of Greenland: the beautiful and fertile, deep south with its fascinating Viking history; Nuuk, a modern capital in a traditional Inuit society; Ilulissat, the town of icebergs and its UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ilulissat Ice Fjord. All are part of this unforgettable journey aboard the Ocean Diamond. Day 1: Reykjavik Individual arrival or use our comfortable Air&Ground Package. Use the day in Reykjavik to explore the highlights of the world's northernmost national capital city on your own, or book one of our exciting pre-cruise programs and discover Reykjavik and its surroundings by land or air. The Ocean Diamond docks in the old harbor located in the heart of town which is a 5-minute walk to the inner city. The ship will depart Reykjavik harbor at 6 p.m. Day 2: Stykkisholmur Stykkisholmur is the starting point for our explorations of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which juts out from Iceland's west coast. As a long arm with a clenched fist at its tip, the peninsula is in many ways a microcosm of the whole island. Boarding our Zodiacs, passengers will explore Breidafjördur Bay, known for its colorful bird life, unique basalt rock formations and stunning scenery. Day 3: Day at Sea/Denmark Strait Today we sail across the Denmark Strait towards Greenland, following a maritime route used by Norse settlers more than 900 years ago. While we're en route, you can attend fascinating presentations by our Expedition team members to prepare you for our visit to Greenland. Or just relax and watch whales, dolphins, and seabirds from the deck or your cabin. Day 4: Day at Sea/Prins Christian Sound If conditions allow, we will attempt to enter the 70-mile-long Prins Christian Sound which connects the Labrador and Irminger Seas. In this narrow, often ice-choked channel, we will come so close to icebergs that you can almost reach out and touch them. Greenland's massive inland ice cap pushes the glaciers towards the sea, where large chunks break off and become icebergs. Day 5: Narsarsuaq Very close to the town of Narsarsuaq lies the small settlement of Qassiarsuk, founded by the legendary Viking rebel and leader Erik the Red. He named this area "green land" because the landscape around Qassiarsuk is characterized by inviting fjords and green, fertile valleys. During this stop, you have the opportunity to learn more about the lives of the early Norse settlers and visit the reconstructions of a Viking longhouse and small turf church. Day 6: Day at Sea Learn more about the country and its peoples at the interesting presentations given by our knowledgeable and experienced expedition team. Day 7: Nuuk Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, combines Arctic traditions and European urbanity. Founded in 1728 by the Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede, this is the oldest town in Greenland. With around 16,000 inhabitants, Nuuk is a bustling metropolis with a modern lifestyle compared with the rest of Greenland. Visit the sights of the city or take the time to make a "Kaffemik" and meet the locals over a cup of coffee in their homes. Day 8: Day at Sea The Greenland Sea is home to numerous seals, walruses, and whales. Keep your eyes open as we sail along the island's scenic west coast. Day 9: Ilulissat In the morning the Diamond Ocean arrives at Ilulissat. The name means "iceberg" in Greenlandic, and the town lives up to its name - located at the mouth of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, which is filled with enormous icebergs. The fjord has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Enjoy the thunderous spectacle when icebergs break off from Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and plunge into the fjord. Sermeq Kujalleq is one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere and calves over 35 cubic kilometers of ice every year. Day 10: Uummannaq/Eqip Glacier In the morning we visit Eqip Glacier and with a little luck will witness icebergs calving into the fjord. The afternoon is spent in Uummannaq, one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland. Located on a small island about 300 miles north of the Arctic Circle, this tiny, picturesque village is at the foot of a heart-shaped mountain. Day 11: Day at Sea Along the coast, we travel south toward Kangerlussuaq. Enjoy the Arctic summer and admire the contrast between majestic icebergs and the riot of colors ashore. Day 12: Kangerlussuaq In the early morning, we arrive at the 120-mile-long Kangerlussuaq Fjord and city of the same name. It's time to bid farewell to the Ocean Diamond. Individual departure or book our comfortable Air&Ground Package.